15 Things to Do in Enfield, CT

Enfield, CT, is a town of 42,141, according to a 2020 Census. Enfield was initially established in 1683 as a part of Massachusetts before being annexed into Connecticut in 1749.

Named after Enfield, England, this city is where the U.S. headquarters of the Danish Company Legos is located, where it is the third-largest employer in the city. 

Small cities like Enfield are where you will find the most welcoming environment. The city’s people may not be used to having tourists, so they’ll want to make you feel welcome when they see you.

Anywhere with a Lego headquarters is sure to be a place that knows the meaning of fun and how to express that fun with people who come around.

Below we will discuss the best 15 things to do in Enfield, CT. Hopefully, providing something you can add to your bucket list when you visit.

Things to Do in Enfield, CT

1. Have a sip of beer at the Powder Hollow Brewery

Powder Hollow Brewery - Middletown CT

It would not be a small town if there were a local brewery. This little brewery was established in 2014 by owner Micheal Mcmanus who conceived of the idea not too long after graduating from Vermont Technical College. A few years later, and a few states down, the Powder Hollow Brewery was established.

Home to a large taproom, and multiple game leagues, there is no limit to the amount of fun you can have here, and if that were to occur, don’t worry because there is more excitement to be had right next door. 

2. Enjoy a day of shopping at Enfield Mall

Enfield CT Square Mall

The hallmark of any city is its mall, and Enfield Mall does not fail to deliver. This small and intimidating mall is sure to have a lasting effect. The mall is not only comprised of name-brand institutions but small stores where you can find local souvenirs to bring back home with you. They are even home to the local cinema so that you can peek at the latest movie buzzing through the airwaves.

A quick shopping spree is definitely what the doctor ordered, and it can lead to finding lifelong memorabilia that you can cherish forever. So make your way to the mall, have some fun, bring the family, buy some clothes, enjoy the food court and get your vacation started the right way. 

3. Go relax at Chicago’s Sam’s Sports Bar and Grille

Don’t let the name confuse you; Sams may have Chicago roots, but it has made its way into Enfield, and what a gem it is. Sports is that one thing that can bring a family together or lead to an argument, but you would find it hard to argue about anything with a savoring pile of wings or a plate of pasta in front of your face.

This Sams is home to around forty flat screens, so no matter what sport you are a fan of, from football, basketball, or even golf they got their televisions tuned in. 

If the playoffs are taking place and you watch it with your family, then Sams is the only place that should come to your mind; they provide an experience that you and your family will never forget.

While your kids munch on some nachos, you grab yourself a beer from their vast list of options. This sports bar could be a single vacation’s best bonding experience. Watching the game with your family is never more enjoyable than going to Sam’s Sports Bar and Grille.

4. Eat locally at the Enfield Farmers Market

Forty Hall Farmers' Market — THE FOOD GATHERER

Typically open during the summer, the farmer’s market is another way of being better acquainted with the city’s culture. Some may think that a small town has no culture, but every city has its uniqueness about them, and the farmer’s market is the best place to discover it.

Everyone loves a little bargain buying, so there will be a good number of people out and about. Spark up a conversation, and in an age of technology, you just made a friend the old-school way. So take a peek at this market and what they have to offer, and who knows, you may find the one thing you didn’t even know you were looking for right in front of your face.

5. Do some pottery at the Kil’n it Pottery Studio

Kil’n it Pottery Studio Enfield CT

If you have ever met someone who went to a pottery class, they will probably tell you how much fun it was, and the same can be said about Kil’n pottery studio. This studio provides:

  • Sculpting workshops.
  • The opportunity to paint your ceramics.
  • The all-important pottery wheel class.

Run by a mother/daughter duo, they bring years of experience in the art of sculpting, so you will know you are in good hands. Get your hands dirty and enjoy the experience of making a fine piece of pottery, or share a laugh at your friend’s inability to create one. Either way, it will be an excellent time for the family.

6. Learn about animals at the Riverside Reptile Education Center

Riverside Reptile Education center

The opportunity to learn and explore is what makes traveling so fascinating. What Riverside Reptile Education Center aims to do is to combine the allure of learning and fun. This facility acts as a zoo for the many different reptilian specimens common across the country.

They showcase these animals and provide a lesson about their origins and why they are so crucial to the world at large. With climate change flooding the media, it is vital to understand why these animals are essential and need to be protected.

Some animals from a distance may seem off-putting, but once you get up and close, you can see their innocent nature. Riverside hopes to cultivate future animal lovers and provide you and your family with all the fun you can imagine.

7. Have a picnic at the Scantic River State Park

Picnic at Maybury State Park

The perfect way to end a vacation is to have a little alone time with the family, and that is what Scantic River State Park aims to do. Walk along the river and look down at the beautiful clear, blue water stream.

With 784 acres of land, there is no lack of things to look at in this expansive park. It’s littered with benched too, so if you want to take a seat with your family and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of opportunities.

The northeast is known for its beautiful forest, hill, etc. Suppose you come from somewhere where those things are not like a big city every day. This park could make you rethink your living arrangements. The cold temperature may drive some people away but if you are looking for beauty, peace, and nature, then look no further than Scantic River State Park. 

8. Learn some history at the Enfield Historical Society Museum

The Enfield Historical Society Museum is a great place to learn about the rich history of the town of Enfield, CT. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the town’s contributions to the American Revolution, as well as its role in the industrialization of America.

Guests can learn about Enfield’s famous residents, including Nathan Hale, who was executed by the British during the American Revolution, and Francis Gillette, a prominent abolitionist who lived in Enfield in the 19th century.

The museum also has exhibits about the Enfield Shaker community, which was once located in the town and is known for its unique architecture and religious practices.

9. Have a steak dinner at the LongHorn Steakhouse

Have a steak dinner at the LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in serving a variety of steak and other American cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes at LongHorn Steakhouse include the Outlaw Ribeye, the Flo’s Filet, and the LongHorn Salmon. In addition to its main menu, LongHorn Steakhouse also offers a variety of appetizers and desserts, as well as a kid’s menu for children 12 and under.

The prices at LongHorn Steakhouse are generally considered to be reasonable for the quality of food and service provided. A typical meal for one person, including an entrée and a side, can cost between $15 and $30, depending on what you order.

10. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Donut Dip

Donuts

Donut Dip is a beloved local donut shop located in Enfield, CT, that has been serving up fresh, delicious donuts for over 60 years. The shop is known for its classic, old-fashioned style donuts, which are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients.

When visiting Donut Dip, a tourist can expect to find a wide variety of donut flavors and styles, ranging from traditional glazed donuts to more unique creations like maple bacon and apple cider.

The donuts are made fresh each day and are often still warm when served, making them a delicious treat any time of day.

11. See a movie at the Enfield Cinemas

Le Grande OR Drive-in Movie Theatre

Enfield Cinemas is a popular movie theater that offers a variety of films for moviegoers of all ages. Whether it’s a blockbuster action movie, a heartwarming family film, or an independent drama, there’s likely a movie showing at Enfield Cinemas that will appeal to tourists.

One of the benefits of going to Enfield Cinemas is that it offers a classic movie theater experience that can be a fun and nostalgic activity for visitors. The theater features comfortable seating, a large screen, and high-quality sound that can enhance the movie viewing experience.

12. Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum in nearby Hartford, CT

Mark Twain House

The Mark Twain House & Museum is a historic home in Hartford, Connecticut, that was once the residence of the famous American author, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who is better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. The house was built in the American High Gothic style in 1874 and was home to Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891.

During his time living in the house, Twain wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The house is also where Twain raised his family and hosted many famous literary figures of his time.

After Twain’s death, the house was sold and went through several different owners and uses, including as a boarding house and a school. In the 1920s, a group of concerned citizens formed the Mark Twain Memorial, which worked to preserve the house as a museum and memorial to the author.

13. Enjoy a slice of pizza at Bigelow’s Pizzeria

If you are in the mood for some pizza, the restaurant is known for its delicious and high-quality pizza, as well as its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Bigelow’s Pizzeria has a menu that includes a variety of pizza options, including classic cheese, pepperoni, and sausage pizzas, as well as specialty pizzas like the Hawaiian, the BBQ chicken, and the veggie pizza. The restaurant also offers a range of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.

Make sure you do not miss this place if you are hungry for some delicious pizza!

14. Take a hike at the Shenipsit State Forest

People hiking

Being a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation in Enfield, CT, the forest covers over 7,000 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and streams, with miles of hiking trails to explore.

There are several trails that range from easy to moderate, with distances ranging from one to ten miles. The main trail in the forest is the Shenipsit Trail, which runs for 50 miles from East Hampton, CT to the Massachusetts state line, passing through Shenipsit State Forest along the way.

A hike in Shenipsit State Forest can take anywhere from an hour to several hours or more, depending on the trail chosen and the pace of the hiker. It’s recommended to plan ahead and bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes and a map of the trails.

15. Go on a hot air balloon ride with Blue Sky Balloons

Hot air baloon

A hot air balloon ride with Blue Sky Balloons offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley and the surrounding countryside. Passengers can enjoy a unique perspective of the area from the air, with unobstructed views that are simply not possible from the ground.

If you have a couple of hundred dollars to spend on this activity then this is the perfect way to spend a couple of days when in Enfield. The cost of a hot air balloon ride with Blue Sky Balloons can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, the duration of the flight, and the number of passengers. Blue Sky Balloons offered a standard shared balloon ride package for $225 per person for an hour of flight over Enfield city.

Conclusion

A city with less than 45,000 people may seem like a wasteland to some people, but they don’t know the hidden gem these areas can provide. The most powerful thing about small cities is the intimacy you feel as you walk around. The excellent small city value the locals have, the customs they are more than willing to share.

At first glance, someone may wonder why they would want to go somewhere like this, but when you visit just one of the places mentioned above, you learn real quickly good things come in small packages. 

Everyone goes to New York City and Los Angeles, but no one thinks about going somewhere like Enfield, and that’s its beauty. The lack of tourists makes the experience all the better because you know that this place is not trying to sell you anything, and you don’t have to deal with the crowd of tourists you would somewhere else.

So if you are looking for somewhere quiet and fun to spend time with your family, then Enfield, Connecticut, is the place to go.

Recommended Articles